Friday, October 29, 2010

Movies that remind me of Halloween: #3, Ed Wood

Family medical issues, book revisions, and Suburban Vampire interviews have kept me from posting my favorite Halloween movies throughout the month like I originally planned, but I wanted to make sure I squeezed in this next one.

When I first saw it: Opening night 2004. My (brand-new) husband and I loved the TV ads so much that we were certain there'd be a huge crowd, so we got to the theater early. Aside from the other couple we went with, we were the only people in the audience.

Most memorable line: There are so many quotable lines in this one. Let's go with "Pull the strings! Pull the strings!"

Best character names: Bunny, Tor, Criswell.

Bottom line: Burton's homage to movie director Edward D. Wood, Jr., debuted long before Depp gave us Jack Sparrow and Sarah Jessica Parker became Carrie, which makes it all the more a hidden gem. The movie is hysterical and heartbreaking at the same time, and it's a lovely tribute to Hollywood and dreamers. One of my favorite Burton films.